Rights group urges release of Taiwanese man held in China

TAIPEI--Amnesty International Taiwan issued a call Friday for the release of a Taiwanese businessman who was detained in China during a recent visit there.

The Chinese authorities should clarify the charges against Chung Ting-pang and ensure his immediate access to legal assistance and family visits, said Yang Tsung-li, secretary-general of the organization.

As Chung's current whereabouts are unknown, he could be at risk of ill treatment, said Yang at a press conference that was also attended by Chung's family and lawyers.

Chung, a middle-aged Falun Gong practitioner and manager of a Hsinchu-based technology firm, has been detained since June 18 by Chinese authorities who accused him of conducting activities that were “detrimental to national and public security,” according to his family and news reports.

Chung went to Jiangxi province to visit his family June 15 and was scheduled to take a flight back to Taiwan on June 18.

He was summoned by officials at the airport to assist with “an investigation of Falun Gong” and was later detained.

“This is not a legal incident, but political persecution,” said Falun Gong Human Rights Lawyers Working Group spokeswoman attorney Teresa Chu.

She urged President Ma Ying-jeou's administration to step up its efforts to protect Taiwan citizens against the Chinese government, which she described as notorious for human rights violations.